:ia8s.O--4.5-V-
Book ..A.
Author .
Title
Imprint.
18R<|-
!•— 47372-1 9PO
m'<oVd
)iMtiMtUM% Mfipurl
OF THE
FOR THE YEAR 1820.
/
/
V'
Wnlteu by 3o\v\\ Pveslovx, at U\e \ec\uest
o? a patvvolie M^ember oi \.\ie
Agncv\\U\ra\ Society.
SECOND EDITION.
ALBAJ^Yi
RE-PRINTED BY E. & E. HOSFORD.
1824.
y
kX
OF THE
^
FOR THE YEAR 1820.
WriUeYi by 3o\v\\ Preston, at t\\e request
qS. a patriotic Member o£ t\ve
AgY\cu\tv\ra\ Society.
SECOND EDITION.
ALBANY.
RE-PRINTED BY E. & E. HOSFORD.
1824.
L^J.
RECOMMENDA TION,
We have examined the pamphlet, entitled, " A Statistical Re-
port of the County of Albany," and find that it contains impor-
tant information to the public in general, and particularly to the
citizens of the county of Albany : it being compiled and compos-
ed with great care and accuracy, as respects the information there-
in contained.
JESSE BUEL,
J. V. N. YATES,
ARCHIBALD CAMPBELL,
DE WITT CLINTON,
ARCHIBALD STEVENS,
JESSE WOOD,
CORN. VAN ANTWERP,
I. W. CLARK.
LNTRODLCTION.
A general knowledge of the nature of soils, and of the dif-
ferent modes of cultivation, required in procuririji the great-
est profits, has long been a desideratum too much neglected
in this state.
Happily has the sound of war ceased ; and by energetic
preparations in time of peace, the prospect of future distur-
bance is very distant : This gives us a favourable opportunity
of cultivating those arts and sciences which are most advan-
tageous to mankind.
The art of husbandry seems to be the foremost, and is ge-
nerally acknowledged to have the first claim to our attention
in providing for worldly aflfairs.
Wisely have our liberal and discerning men and best patri-
ots, constructed a plan for improvements in that most impor-
tant art, — Agriculture
In an " Address of the general committee of the Board of
Agriculture of the State of New- York, to the County Agri-
cultural Societies, for the year 1820," is suggested the pro-
priety of, and the advantages arising from, accurate yearly
reports from each county, in manner and form, as represent-
ed at the close of their address, by schedules No. 1, 2, 3 and
4. — Number four contains the several questions answered in
the following report. And in answering those questions, the
writer has aimed to be as accurate as the subject would admits
where information was to be obtained. In answering the
last question, however, he submits his observations for amend-
ment, to those agricultural gentlemen who are more skilled
in the art, and better able to perform so important an under-
taking.
The Writer.
Westerlo, Albany County, "i
December, 1820. S
SCHEDULE No. 4.
JVarne of the County ? — -Albany.
Hovi many towns, and their names ?
Eight : — Albany City, Bethlehem, Bern, Coeymens, Guil-
derland, Rensselaerville, Watervliet, and Westerlo.*
]Vhat Rivers, and principal Creeks?
Mohawk on the north-east, Hudson River on the east, Nor-
manskill, Vlammanskill, Oniskethau Creek, Pichteway Creek,
Hanakroyskill, Pasic Creek, Eight-mile Creek, Ten-mile
Creek, Catskill, Schwitzkill,t Foxenkill, Black Creek, Vly-
kill, Bozakill, Elisha's Creek, Steenhook Creek, Hungeikill,
and Patroon's Creek ; together with several rivulets emana-
ting from durable springs and lakes.
Aspect of the County ?
A central ridge, denominated the Helderbergh, runs in a
northerly and southerly direction, and divides the county into
two districts. The eastern district is composed of flats sur-
rounded with ridges : The western is interspersed with hills
and dales, lying in a northern and southern direction.
JNature of the soil?
The flats in the eastern district, may be divided into two
classes : — alluvial flats, and flats composed of sand and loam.
The ridges in this district consist of sand, of sand and loam,
of elay, and several tracts are of a more mixed nature ; be-
ing composed of gravel, clay, and loam.
The western district is generally composed of a gray grav-
el, intermixed with a clayey substance under a black rich
mould.
What minerals, or mineral waters ?
Two springs impregnated with sulphur and iron are found
in the town of Bern ; one at Paul I. Hochstrasser's, and one
on the farm of John Jost Sheaffer.
* Thtt town of Knox has been set off from the north part of the town of Bern, since
this account was taken.
f Sweating Creek, or a Creek that ooses out of the hilU gradually.
■■/ mil ru.-.'-u.^ .
See geolotiical report of 1820, by Gentlemen Eaton and
Beck.
What number of acret< in the County ?
About 363,280 — that is : The county is 22 miles in breadth
on the north, 24 on the south, and 24 in length, north and
south.
Is it a grazing or grain District ?
Both : — The greatest part of the land in the county, is al-
ternately occupied for grazing and for grain. Some of the
flats are generally tilled for grain, and there are small tracts
of moist land which yield a heavy burden of hay.
What arc the principal products of the grazing district, when
occupied for that purpose ?
Beef, Butter, Cheese, Wool.
Of the grain District ?
Indian corn, potatoes, rye, spring and winter wheat, oats,
barley and pork ; also, flax for domestic use.
What markets do these articles go to ?
The cheese goes principally to New-York, the surplus hay
principally to Albany ; the pork, beef, butter and grain, to se-
veral markets, that is to say : — Albany, Coxsackie, Cattskill
and New- York. — The wool and flax are chiefly wrought at
home.
What breeds of cattle and sheep have they ?
The common breed of cattle and sheep in general ; but in
the vicinity of Albany, and in several parts of the country
towns the large Enghsh breeds of cattle are introduced;
also half blooded, three fourths and full blooded merino and
Bakewell sheep, are frequently found among the farmers
throu<»hout the eastern district of the county. The fleeces
of lar^e merino flocks are sold to manufacturers in different
parts of the state.
What kinds of cultivation is used in the grazing District ?
When the grazing districts become sward-bound, they are
ploughed and tilled, till sufiiciently meliorated, then seeded
with Timothy-grass and clover, or with clover alone ; small
tracts of wet land excepted.
Of the grain District ?
The grain districts receive manure and undergo the same
cultivation as those of the grazing ; some alluvial flats ex-
cepted, which are annually tilled for grain.
What kind of green crops and roots are raised to fatten the
stock ?
Peas, buckwheat, potatoes and pumpkins ; also the common,
the French, the white, and the Swedish or Russian turnip.
Lentils are introduced in the town of Bern.
What ploughs and harrows are in general use ?
The common kind ; but improvements have been rapidly
progressing for a year past : Wood's plough, vended by Star-
buck, and several other ploughs of short ground-work, made
of cast iron, are introduced in many parts of the county, and
they have merited the general approbation. A few of Bur-
don's have lately been introduced.
What is the general value of the land ?
The alluvial land on the west bank of the Hudson River,
from one to two hundred dollars per acre. The alluvial land
off the river in the several towns in the eastern district, from
eighty to one hundred dollars per acre. — The uplands through-
out the county, from ten to twenty dollars per acre.
What is the population of the County?
38,116, that is to say : —
The City of Albany contains - - 12,630
The Town of Bethlehem, - - 5,114
Guilderland, - - 2,270
Watervliet, - - 2,806
Bern, - - - 5,531
Rensselaerville, - - 3.435
Westerlo, - - - 3,458
Coeymans, - - 2,872
Total, 38,116
Taken from Record in the Office of the Secretary of State,
What public seminaries for education ?
In the city of Albany, one academy consisting
of 1 50 students 1
8
One Lancasterian seminary composed of 400
pupils, 1
One Mechanic School, 1
And Common Schools as hereunder enumerated : —
Albany, - - - - 25
Bethlehem, - . - 25"
Coeymans, - - - 15
Westerlo, - - - 16
Rensselaerville, - - 18
Bern, - - - - 30
Guilderland, - - - 11
Watervliet, - - - 12
Making in all, 155
exclusive of parts of Schools adjoining other towns, &c.
What domestic manufactures are produced ?
Carpeting, elegant coverlets, blankets, milled cloths, coarse
and superfine flannels, coarse and fine linen ; beaver, castor,
roram, napt, and wool hats ; elegant Leghorn and straw hats ;
sole, upper, harness, morocco and milled leather; hollow
ware and solid castings of various kinds, for machinery and
other uses. Pot and pearl-ash, whiskey, molasses-rum, ale,
maple sugar and cider.
How many woollen factories ?
None, except for family use.
Cotton factories ?
One in the town of Watervliet.
Carding machines ?
Seventeen, viz : —
In the town of Bethlehem, ... 3
Coeymans, ... 2
Westerlo, - - . 2
Bern, .... 3
Rensselaerville. - - 3
Guilderland, - . - 1
Watervliet. ... 3
Total. 17
Fulling Machines?
Sixteen, viz : —
In the town of Bethlehem,
-
2
Coeymans
Westerlo, -
-
3
2
Rensselaerville,
3
Bern,
-
3
Guilderland,
-
1
Watervliet,
-
2
Total,
16
Hov) many Grist-Mille /
_
Thirty-four, viz : —
In the town of Bethlehem,
6
Coeymans,
Wesferlo, -
-
4
4
Rensselaerville,
-
6
Bern,
-
5
Guilderland,
.
2
^ Watervliet,
-
7
Total,
34
How many Saw-Mills ?
Sixty-eight, viz : —
In the town of Bethlehem,
U
Coeymans,
Westerlo,
-
11
9
Rensselaerville,
-
7
Bern,
-
21
Guilderland,
.
4
Watervliet,
-
5
Total, 68
10
How many Tanneries ?
Forty-three, viz : —
1 Q the town of Bethlehem,
4
Coeymans,
3
Westerlo, - - -
e
Rensselaerville, -
9
Bern, . - -
10
Guilderland,
3
Watervliet,
o
Albany, - . -
3
Total,
How many Breweries, and quantity brewed ?
Four Breweries in the city of Albany, viz :-
43
Boyd and McCullock, -
3,000 bbls.
Robert Dunlop, -
3,000
Fidler and Co.
1,500
Henry Birrel,
1,000
Amounting annually to
8,500
How many Distilleries, and quantity distilled ?
Four, viz : —
Daniel Hale, in Albany, distills,
of molasses rum, - - - .
36,000 gls.
Roderick Sedgwick, in Bethlehem,
of whiskey,
40,000
Stephen Willes, in Bern,
of whiskey,
00,850
AsaColvard, in Westerlo,
of whiskey,
11,000
Amounting annually to 87,850
How many Furnaces for casting metals, and of what sort ?
Four air furnaces for casting hollow ware, cannon, cannon-
balls, shot, &c. ; also a variety of solid Castings for ma-
chinery.
. What kind of timber prevails generally in the County ?
In the eastern district, pitch and white pine ; black, white
and rock or chesnut-oak ; chesnut and hickory or walnut ;
11
elm is plentifully scattered over the wet lands, and hemlock
is often found near the streams.
The western district is timbered with hemlock, beech, su-
gar-maple, black birch, bass-wood, [linden] and white ash.
The swamps principally afford black ash, and white or soft
maple, with a portion of elm.
One peculiarity in the distribution of timber in this district,
is this : — The eastern sides of the hills abound with sugar-ma-
ple, beech, bass-wood and white ash ; while the ridges and
western aspects abound with a greater proportion of hem-
lock.
What kind of timber, by natural growth, succeeds the first
clearing ?
In the eastern district, nearly the same as the first growth ;
but in the western, — beech, black birch, sugar-maple, white
ash, a small quantity of black cherry, and a plenty of an in-
ferior wild red cherry, unworthy of notice.
What number of Poor does each tozv7i in this county support^
and what is the annual expense ?
Albany Alms-house,
Bethlehem,
Coeymans,
Westerlo, -
Rensselaerville, -
Bern,
Guilderland,
Watervliet,
Amounting to
c
^
o
1 ^
OJ
XL
tl
"
en
•
o
>%
43
<a
o
a.
^
TS
c
C
<~
CJ
C->
o
• •£
IX
h.
t
J
<u
E
c
^
j5
o
o
c
;z;
s
Q
-<
t
%
$
90
'
9,760*
10
200
255
455
6
200
^b
265
5
250
65
315
3
450
110
560
5
400
90
490
6
250
140
390
6
150
180
330
131
1900
905]
12565
13
^REMARKS.
The amount of expenses for the support of
the poor in the alms-house at Albany, was taken
from the Chamberlain's record, . . g 9,760
The expense money raised by each town, was
taken from the record of the Supervisors, . 1,900
The account of money raised by licences,
was taken from the Supervisors severally, . 905
Then from the Supervisors, was taken the
following sums, to wit : — County expenses for
the transient poor, who are sent to the alms-
house in Albany, ...... 1,444 07
For the support of the poor in Hospital at
New-York, 208 00
For the support of the poor in the town of
Coeymans,
Do. in the town of Watervliet,
For county physician.
Making a total of $ 14,654 10
What would you suggest to advance the prosperity of this
county ?
Continue and increase the present allurements
OF agricultural pursuits.
If we descend to a practical detail of every suggestion,
which might be applicably given to answer this last query ;
the reader may be tired with the number of subjects, and the
hearer become impatient in hearing : Let us therefore briefly
take into view some interesting particulars, and close the
schedule.
1. Let the rules and regulations of each and every agri-
cultural society, be arranged in such a manner that no rea-
sonable man can find cause to murmur on account of par-
tiality :
Let the premiums on the best farms be lessened ; and those
on neat stock, manufactures, grain and esculent roots, pro-
portionably increased.
24
12
212
91
200
00
13
2. In proportioning the prenniums just mentioned, it may
be expedient for each county society to form a policy of their
own, as they shall conceive most beneficial for the whole
county, of which they are members.
3. Let the premiums be given in current, money or plate,
at the option of the donee or receiver.
It will undoubtedly be more beneficial to future genera-
tions, to have the present premiums given in plate, than in
currency : because these durable monuments of fame will
create an agricultural emulation in future days ; but in all
great and important patriotic deeds, we must have regard to
a medium in our rules : self-interest and present want must
be rationally considered, in order to give power to our exer-
tions ', for many persons, both male and female, will sooner
exert themselves to gain a premium in cash, than in plate ;
because their circumstances will not admit of purchasing such
materials as are necessary for the completion of their agricul-
tural ot manufacturing designs. And they are so indigent,
and sometimes so tasteless in etiquette, that they are unwilling
to be at the expense of purchasing plate-furniture.
Again, there is a political suggestion to be offered : — Where
shall we obtain such a vast quantity of plate as will be ne-
cessary in twenty or thirty years ? It may be answered and
said, that this plate so accumulated, will be ready in time of
war; but it will cost government more to purchase this plate,
and coin it into money, than to purchase foreign coins season-
ably before war be proclaimed.
4. Small tracts, showing in the miost plain manner the im-
portant agricultural improvements in Europe and America,
may be distributed to every member in the county societies
throughout the state : In which tracts may be inserted, prac-
tical knowledge and encouragements on the particulars here-
after mentioned ; that is to say : — An augmentation of ma-
nures, and how to procure them ; recruiting exhausted or
worn out lands ; abandoning summer fallows whenever cir-
cumstances will admit, having regard to the condition of the
soil ; the cultivation and advantages of roots and green crops:
different rotations of crops on different soils; the importance
14
of the soiling system, on a small and on a large scale, ac-
cording to the ability of the undertaker ; an account of the
profitable seeds which have been proved by modern experi-
ments ; encouragements on horticulture, apiaries, grossula-
ries, orcharding and forest trees ; the best method of im-
proving live stock ; a description of the best imported ani-
mals for agricultural uses ; the most profitable mode of feed-
ing milch cows and cattle for the stall ; the most profitable
mode of making domestic manufactures ; a description of the
modern improvements in machinery for cleaning flax and
hemp, and for facility and expedition in domestic manufac-
tures ; also a description of those implements of husbandry
on an improved .)lan, by Lord Beatson, for pulverizing, and
his mode of renovating the soil ; and an amendment of the
law on pauperism, and on assessments of property both per-
sonal and real.
A knowledge of these subjects, together with other impor-
tant improvements, communicated to the members ot' all the
agricultural societies, and then a practical adherence there-
to, will advance the prosperity of this and every other coun-
ty in the state.
Further Observations on Agricutture,
I. If the premiums on the best farms be as great as they
have been in some instances for the year past, the wealthy
farmer will soon have it in his power to obtain a premium ev-
ery second year ; this will discourage the hard labouring poor
man from striving for any thing but the smaller premiums. —
If a restriction be entered in the rules, that no man shall re-
ceive a premium but once for the best farm, this will in part
destroy the partiality complained of; but still the former, or
the one who possesses the most wealth, will have an advan-
tage over him who is under more moderate circumstances.
2. It is true that one important object is, to have the farms
in many counties under better regulations than they are at
present ; but if we put it out of the power of the poor to vie
with the rich^ the institution will be liable to censure. — Cla-
mours will arise, — and when we are striving to do good, we
shall do evil.
3. Manures may be saved in various ways : — The contents
of sloughs and swamps, the green sward by the sides of fen-
ces, by the sides of highways, and in many places where no
profit arises from the grass, might be carted into heaps, or de-
posited in a reservoir till the matter becopie fermented and fit
for top dressing, for ploughing in, or for any farming or hor-
ticultural uses. Burned clay is a valuable manure. See
Lord Beatson's experiments.
4. All cattle and hogs, sheep excepted, ought to be confin-
ed at night when circumstances will admit, so that their ex-
crements and urine may be saved and mixed with earth for
manure.
5. Barnyards should be so formed as to hold their con-
tents in a basin-like form, or their draining should run ofT into
a reservoir made of plank or clay, and there mixed with earth
or any kind of vegetable rubbish that will decompose and
form manure.
G. Stables should be in more general use, with a reservoir
under each to receive the urine ; — the manures should be
thrown under cover, that they may not be washed by the rain
till the farmer is ready to plough them in.
7. It may be considered politic to give a premium on ditch-
ing for a few years ; but let the number of rods of ditch be
in proportion to the acres of improved land possessed by each
applicant, provided the ditching amount to not less than
forty rods yearly. The greater part of the improved land
in the zuestern district of this county, require a deep ditch on
the upper side of each field ; and the low lands arc almost
useless by reason of producing wild grass of but little value.
Many pieces of low lands in the eastern district might, by
ditching, be made twice as valuable as they are at present,
and the hay would be .. eatly improved.
8. Another profit would arise from ditching, that is manure :
in the vales where ditches are necessary, there is a consid-
erable quantity of manure to be thrown out ; and in the
swamp lands, an abundance may be obtained, and that of the
best kind.
9. In addition to the above modes of procuring manure, a
reservoir mi^ht be placed near the house or garden, and ev-
ery kind of filth carried in from the house ; even the soap
suds after washing, washings of the floors, drainings of the
sink, &:c. including all kinds of saline slops that may be un-
fit f6r swine, and every kind of putrid vegetable or animal
matter.
10. Plaster or gypsum, has proved to be so fertilizing, on
sandy or gravelly soils, that we cannot behold the omission of
it without regret. This fossil is so cheap at present, that any
farmer under moderate circumstances, may procure enough
to convince him of the profits it will atford.
11. Report says, that plaster will not answer any good
purpose on land near the ocean ; but will not our inland wes-
tern gypsum have the desired effect ? This, not being im-
pregnated with properties derived from the sea, may prove to
be as beneficial there, as Nova Scotia gypsum is at a hundred
and sixty miles from the ocean.
It may be observed, that " this county has nothing to do
with Long-Island, or the shore along the sound;" but the
time is not far distant, when by the improved navigation of
the grand canal, we can procure gypsum at a moderate price,
and exchange with our sea-shore brethren for Nova-Scotia
gypsum ; in case our western gypsum answer a good purpose
near the sea.
12. Farmers near the Helderbergli, might receive great
avails from lime : this is perhaps the best fertilizing fossil yet
known for stiff clays and cold lands ; it decomposes that ad-
hesive quality found in such soils, and renders them fit for the
nourishment of plants ; for although vegetables receive nour-
ishment from the air, yet the ground must be loose, that their
roots may easily expand to quicken vegetation.
Lime, or gypsum in particular, when sprinkled over a bam
yard, or mixed in a heap of manure, will raise a fermentation
and accelerate a decomposition of the coarse rubbish to a
great degree. The whole mass will be converted into good
manure, in less than half the time it would require without
this auxiliary. Caution, however, must be used, and not add
too great a quantity of lime or gypsum, lest the fermentation
be too rapid, so as to diminish the strength of the manure.
13. The damage sustained by pasturing or feeding on
meadows too late in autumn, and the least degree of feeding
in the springy, have undoubtedly been noticed by every farmer
of reflection. Some alluvial or rich meadows, where the
grass is liable to lodge, may be fed close without injury ; but
to feed our lands, commonly selected for mowing, in the man-
ner we tiow do, is bad husbandry ; and the damage arising
from that is incalculable. To remedy this evil, several modes
may be suggested : — Introduce a greater quantity of red clov-
er; this will thrive in a drought better than any of our com-
mon grasses : divide the pastures into smaller pieces than they
are at present : sow a bushel of gypsum on an acre yearly, in
the month of May : diminish the stock for a few years : have
some kind of green crops ready for feeding in time of drought ;
such as early sown turnips, late sown oats, corn tops, potatoes,
pumpkins, &;c. and begin to fodder earlier than usual. These
3
IS
methods, if practised, will soon cause the farmer to have a
sufficiency of hay ; and if he keep through the summer, a
few tons, it will be Hke money at interest ; because hay will
improve by age, in the same manner as will cheese, tobacco,
spirits or wine ; though not to so great a degree in the same
space of time.
14. In order to have a great burden of grass on our mead-
ows in this county, it is requisite that we should quit feeding
them by the first of October ; witness the headlands or bor-
ders around our fields of winter grain. Nature here teaches
by the prolific grass, the propriety and necessity of giving the
roots time fof becoming strong, and gaining as it were, a fleece
of clothing to defend them from the inclemency of the ap-
proaching season.
15. The farmers need not be fearful of diminishing their in-
terest by foddering cattle in time of summer, if they have a
suitable place for confining them, and for saving the manure.
Vast profits have arisen from the soiling plan ; and the day
will undoubtedly come, and that in a few years, when it will
be practised more or less in this county, though it is disre-
garded at the present time — The premiums on Indian corn,
heretofore alluded to, and other grains, will naturally lead the
minds of competitors to invent and pursue the best methods
for making composts and saving manures.
16. If the patience of the reader and audience permit, suf-
fer me to digress once more : Supposing this agricultural so-
ciety or institution to continue, which I dare say every pa-
triot, and every philanthropist wishes ; then let us suggest the
propriety or the policy of enlarging. by degrees, the number
of acres on which the cultivation of Indian corn shall receive
a premium. Let it be understood, however, that this en-
largement may not be proper at present ; because it may put
it out of the power of some farmers, under moderate circum-
stances, to gain a premium.
17. The design of this enlargement in future, is to rouse the
invention of men for making and saving manures ; but when-
ever the number of acres shall become too great for the
19
ability of the common farmer, let that number be made less,
according to discretion.
18. In the next place, we will see what profits may arise
from the cultivation and enlargement of orchards.
It has been predicted, that the climate and soil in this coun-
ty, would be unfavourable to fruit trees ; but experience has
taught us to the contrary. Apples, pears, quinces, and the
early peach called rareripe, are propagated with good suc-
cess. The spitzemberg, and many sorts of early apples, ci-
der apples, and winter apples for market ; together with the
rareripe and several sorts of early peaches, plums, pears, and
the common quince, may be successfully propagated in this
county. See a book, entitled " A view of the cultivation of
fruit trees, and the management of orchards and cider ; with
accurate descriptions of the most estimable varieties of na-
tive and foreign apples, pears, peaches, plums, and cherries,
cultivated in the middle states of America, &c. By William
Coxe, Esq." Every apple, pear, peach, or plum, &c, is
delineated with elegant and accurate copper plate engrav-
ings.
But let us return to the profit of our orcharding : The spit-
zemberg will command fifty cents a bushel at the orchard, or
two hundred and fifty cents a barrel, in the city of Albany ;
this last price, allowing two bushels and three pecks to the
barrel, will be at the rate of ninety cents a bushel ; — at New-
York Ihe price has been much higher, and in cities to the
southward, apples will always command a good price-
Hence we can rationally suggest, that the farmers of this coun-
ty may, in a few years, profit themselves by the products of
their orchard?.
The ingrafting of choice fruits, and where orchards are too
small, setting of new trees, appear to be worthy the atten-
tion of every agriculturist.
If a scipn be ingrafted into a stock of its own tree, it will
yield improved fruit : and we have more to expect when the
scion is taken from a tree of choice fruit. From this may be
argued fairly, that scions ingrafted into large trees, will yield
20
better fruit thaa if they were ingrafted into small stocks of
two years' growth.
There will be no danger of overfilling the markets with
this species of produce, while the southern states and the
West-Indies are open to our trade. We can there barter for
sugar, cotton, or rice, which will, on the return, command
cash or supply our domestic requirements.
Preparation for Fruit Trees.
From Mr. Buel we have the following memorandum, well
worthy the notice of every family : — " Let a family have a
box, in which they may place all their apple cores ; cherry,
plum, and peach stones ; in the fall these seeds may be plant-
ed in a bed, weeded the next season, and then, cither in the
fall or spring, set in a nursery. The second year they may
be inoculated, with such kind of fruit as the cultivator may
chuse. Thus in five or six years every farmer may be ena-
bled, with trifling labour and expense, to stock his farm and
borders of his garden, with all the variety of choice fruit that
our country produces. Quinces may be propagated by cut-
tings, the same as currants."
19. Again, as respects the produce of orchards, the article
cider will be valuable. If this be well manufactured, it will
bear transportation to the southward; — it is becoming a fa-
shionable beverage among those who have been in the prac-
tice of using wine. Nearly all the opulent families now prac-
tice giving cider in lieu of wine at their feasts throughout the
northern states; and the southern people undoubtedly will
soon find it to be more wholesome than wine in the winter
season.
If we add honey or sugar to fresh apple juice, and attend
strictly to the cleansing of the casks, the fermentation, the
drawing off, &:c., it may be converted into good wine. An-
other benefit will accrue from cider, and even descend as a
blessing to future generations — a disuse of ardent»spirits ; —
for, where good cider is introduced as a beverage in families,
spirituous liquors are generally rejected ; they are now almost
held in contempt, especially by the good people called Qua-
kers ; and among all our best farmers we find that cider and
■ il
beer are preferred, while spirits are disapproved or considei
ed to be unhealthy.
Thus we conceive, by a few hints, several important bene
fits which might arise from orchards, " to advance theprosper
ity of this county.'''^
20. Our next observations shall be respecting currants.
The setting and rearing of currants and the smooth goose-
berry may be worthy the notice of some mechanics who re-
side in the country, or industrious husbandmen who have but
a small portion of land.
This species of grossularia is, of all shrubs, the most easily
reared. Happily has kind providence furnished us in the cold
regions of the north, with vegetable luxuries surpassing in
salubrity, those of the south. Currants not only furnish the
table with wholesome dainties in the heat of summer; but
they afford aid to the physician in many important cases where
foreign vegetables, of the same medicinal class, are not on
hand.
21. The juice of currants can also be manufactured- into
wine : — The component parts of wine are, sugar, water and
spirits, or, in place of spirits, we may say the basis of alcohol}^
the different qualities and flavours are produced by the differ-
ent vegetable substances composing the material parts of the
wine. In cases of convalescence,* some eminent physicians
allow currant wine, when skilfully manufactured, to be supe-
rior to foreign wines. 'J'he currant has a delicate and delicious
astringency, congenial to a slender constitution, and at the
sametime.it is powerful; exceeding perhaps in efficacy, ma-
ny other vegetables of the same medicinal class.
Currant juice, water, and the best of cane sugar, comprise
the ingredients necessary for making good wine. Whether it
be best to extract the saccharine salts by refining the sugar, or
use it in its crude state, may be found out by experiments. If
the pure saccharine particles prove to be best, by not combin-
ing the vegetable properties of the cane, with those of the
currants ; then refined maple sugar will answer for the pro-
cess ; and the interior inhabitants of the state can accommo-
date themselves as well as those at the head of navigation.
* Convalexcertce, a state of recovery from sickness.
22 .
22. Currants may be reared with but little expense : — the
common mode of propagating them is to set the cuttings in
rows on the borders of gardens ; but if a garden of one fourth
part of an acre, or more, were planted entirely with currants
and gooseberries, the cultivator would find in the result, a
pleasing and profitable recompense for his labour. Currants,
in the common mode of setting cuttings or slips, may be in rows
eight feet asunder ; then potatoes between the rows of currants
will reward the cultivator for labour in this garden, and his fruit
will cost but a trifle more than if it grew spontaneously.
If the cultivator wish to set the slips on an improved plan,
with the rows more near each other, " Take the pruning
knife" says Mr. Paul Clark, of Albany, " and cut out three
eyes or buds of the lower end of each slip ;* then instead of
a cumbersome cluster of shoots or suckers, you will have a
beautiful single shrub and improvement in fruit."
23. As to the subject on apiaries, or places to keep bees,
it is needless to lose time in numbering or elucidating their
profits and convenience. We might as well undertake to
enumerate and explain the advantages arising to a farmer, from
the exertions of several skilful husbandmen, who would la-
bour diligently through the summer season for no other com-
pensation than the yearly rent of a few cottages. When we
are on a tour through the country, it is rather surprising to
see how the establishments for bees are neglected. An
insects© easily procured and maintained, — so prolific, — so be-
neficial in food, in luxuries, and in medicine ; — we might ra-
tionally conclude would receive greater attention : esfiecial-
ly from men who live in a country of freedom, where univer-
sal knowledge is promulgated, where no cruel tithes are ex-
acted from the proprietor, and in a climate favourable to the
object under consideration. The value of these little in-
dustrious insects is too well known to need comment, further
than to mention that there is a mode of obtaining the honey
without destroying the bees. The writer being unacquainted
with every particular of that mode, forbears to mention any
more than to note, that the setting of an empty hive, with a
* It may be necetoarjr to leavft the lowermost eye.
i||
23
hole in the top, under a full hive which is about to swarm, will
save the bees and the honey.
24. Horticulture seems to be too much neglected, even a-
mong farmers of considerable property, except those near cities.
Where a large family subsists without a good garden, 'we
cannot give credit on a full score of economy. Not only a
great saving may be derived from a general assortment of gar-
den vegetables ; but health is preserved, and vigour increased,
by partaking plentifully of vegetables with animal food, with-
out any consideration of the more delicious repast. If some
policy could be invented which would create an emulation for
the best garden, it might be an auxiliary in advancing the suc-
cess of our agricultural interesl,
25. We come now to the consideration of the breed of
merino sheep. Great pains have been taken, by our best
patriots, to introduce the breed of merino sheep, previous to
the establishment of our present agricultural institution ; and
notwithstanding all the prejudice and disrepute raised against
these animals, they have spread nearly over the state.
The next object for consideration is, what degree of meri-
no blood shall this breed have, " To advance the prosperity
of this county ?" It is believed by some persons, who are
acquainted with our geographical situation, that we have
such a small portion of waste-lands to those which are til-
lable, that a farmer will realise greater profits from beef and
a dairy, than from sheep ; except a sufficient number for
domestic use. Allowing this to be correct, then will not the
half-blooded sheep be more profitable than a higher breed of
merino blood ? The machines throughout the county are
suitable for carding half-blooded merino wool, and the cloth
made of it, when well manufactured, appears to be elegant
and durable. Nevertheless, if any competitor wish to excel
in superfine or full-blooded merino woollen, he may also try
his skill in that kind ; for it is not meant to be suggested that
premiums shall be taken off the finer woollens. The inten-
tention is to encourage the propagation of such sheep, and
the manufacturing of that sort of cloth which will be most
profitable to the people of this county. In many other coun-
24
ties, such as Greene, Ulster, Orange, Putnam, &c., the pe<'-
ple may find their profit in propagating the full-blooded meri-
no to supply the market with wool for the manufacturers ;
but arrangements for this last suggestion, belong to the county
societies respectively.
26. The Stocking-Loom is a labour-saving machine which
may be thought worthy of notice. The time saved in knit-
ting a pair of stockings by this loom, when compared with
the time required to perform the same work with knitting-
pins, is incredible to those who never saw the operations. A
pair of stockings may be knit with the loom in a few hours,
when it would require days to do the same with pins or nee-
dles. If some gentleman with a capital would devote a small
share of it to this business, no doubt he would realize a profit,
and set a good example in society.
Young ladies in cities and populous towns might then find
business more agreeable, more profitable, and more healthy,
than their usual employments.
27. The Swedish or Russian turnip, denominated ruta
baga, is but rarely found in the western district of this
county. It may be suggested that the soil in the eastern
district, is more favourable to the production of the ruta ba-
ga, than that of the western. The territory east of the Hel-
derbergh has a considerable share of sand and loam, which
soil, when manured, is favourable to the growth of this root :
on the contrary, the soil of the western district is more stiff',
not so friable, being composed of a greater quantity of gra-
vel mixed with a clayish substance ; and requires more til-
lage for this species of vegetable, than the soil of the eastern.
Consequently the competitors in the eastern district have a
natural advantage over those of the western, in cultivating
for the ruta baga. Hence it is suggested that a greater emula-
tion might prevail by dividing the county into two districts;
and then allow each a separate premium on the article under
consideration.
28. Beer and Ale, This subject might have been more
naturally and methodically introduced near that of cider :
but the adage says, " JVerey too late to do goad ;" — Let us, if
possible, invent some inducement which will prevail on
every family in the country towns, to brew for domestic
use.
If a family, in New- England omit brewing once a week,
the estimation of that family is lessened in the minds of its
familiar associates. Cannot the pride of the people in this
state, who possess the best natural situation of any state in
the union, be raised to a pitch that will operate for their
own interest, as respects health, comfort, profit, and mo-
rality ?
The labouring class of people, in cold and changeable
climates, have a natural inclination for using difl'usible stimu-
lants, and it is in vain to strive for a suppression of that use,
further then to prescribe preventives and substitutes less de-
leterious than ardent spirits. This may be done with pro-
priety, and without retarding " the advancement of the pros-
perity of the people."
Malt liquor, when rightly manufactured, is perhaps less
destructive to constitutions in general, than any other strong
drink ; the light wines excepted, which are not at our com-
mand. Our main object then appears to be, the encourage-
ment of brewing in families.
If a family brew two or three barrels of double ale, the
residuary substance will yield table beer sufficient for them a
considerable time. The ale may be taken occasionally when
stimulants are needful, and when etiquette demands a deli-
cious entertainment. — If after the first batch of brewing,
more table beer be wanted, it may be made from many sa-
lubrious materials mixed with malt, and the expense may be
estimated as a trifle, after utensils are procured for the ope-
ration. Hence it may be suggested, that small tracts on
brewing, distributed to each member of the society, and a
suitable premium offered for the best ale, not less in quan-
tity than two barrels, and that brewed and inspected in the
families, will aid in the '• advancement of the prosperity of
the county."
29. The adulteration of ardent spirits shall be our next
theme : — If nothing else but this pernicious practice urged
4
26
the encouragement of making cider and beer, we should be
justifiable in bringing about the disuse of spirituous liquors.
The poisonous and destructive articles used for adulterating
spirits and other liquors, have undoubtedly been the predis-
posing cause of many consumptions and lingering complaints.
These deceptive drugs are sometimes added for raising a bead
that will indicate proof; — again, another sort is mixed with
bad liquor to give it a flavour of that which is good. A varie-
ty of these pernicious articles might be named ; but there is
already too great a knowledge of them for the good of the
community.
It is high time to petition the legislature for a special stat-
ute, inflicting a severe penalty on any one who shall sell adul-
terated liquors of any kind ; and further, let the appointing
power appoint assayists in every city and commercial town,
for the purpose of inspecting liquors.
30. Let our attention now be directed to a more pleasing
subject, that is, of forest trees : — Many pieces of land in this
county might be planted with forest trees, without lessening
the profits of the farm on which they may grow. — The sides
of highways, the northwest parts of fields, the margins of
creeks, the small pieces of waste-land, &c. might be made
very valuable, in future time, without any great present ex-
pense.
The seeds of chesnut, hickory, butternut, oak, sugar-ma-
ple, beech, white-ash, elm, cherry, and of the locust-tree, are
attainable in this county, and they will all easily germinate. —
If a separate premium were promised, at eight or nine years
hence, for the best two acres of chesnut trees, and the best
two acres of locust trees, planted between the years 1822,
and 1829, this small adventure might soon become a vast and
valuable acquisition. It would be requisite however to pub-
lish the same, so that every farmer might be apprised timely
enough for procuring seeds. It would be necessary also to di-
vide the county into two districts, because the eastern part has
more of the influence of the sun, and is more favourable to
vegetation than the western.
If apple, pear, or many kinds of forest trees were planted
\
27
along by walls, or fences made of earth, &ic. they would an-
swer a valuable purpose for toppoling those fences against
sheep. There is a prospect of continued peace, — an oppor-
tunity favourable for improvement of agriculture in its vari-
ous branches ; and whenever time and abilities will admit, we
are under a moral obligation to render our lands in a profita-
ble state for future ages.
31. We will in the next place suggest a plan for immedi-
ate profit to every family ; that is, the erection of a steam
boiler. — It may be justly asserted, that the dry lands in this
county are suitable for the production of potatoes. This es-
culent root will verify the proverb of "killing two birds with
one stone ;" it will not only yield a great profit from a small
portion of labour, but will also be a means of subduing rough
unproductive pieces of land, and fit them for producing other
valuable crops of almost any kind. The main object then, is
to prepare this root for stock in the best and most expeditious
mode. This is allowed to be done by the steam boiler. The
potato, is not the only article that may be profitably steamed :
corn tops, straw and hay, run through a cutting machine, may
be steemed to advantage, and then mixed with meal for milch
cows, or for a bullock in the stall. The fatting of cattle, is ex-
pedited by this mode of feeding, and it is found preferable to
that of feeding with dry provender and hay. This process
gives the feed a nature similar to that of grass, it prepares the
food for easy digestion, and a ready nourishment for the ani-
mal to which it is given.
A description of this apparatus is needless to many farmers,
and at the same time might be more properly inserted in
some agricultural tract for the society. The cheapest con-
struction, however, may be a box placed over a five pail ket-
tle : this box may contain from ten to thirty bushels, — it must
be placed with a small degree of inclination, so that the wate-
ry particles may drain off at one end, where there is a small
outlet for that purpose. A pipe or tube is fixed through the
bottom of the box, to convey the steam from the kettle, and
the top of the box is covered tight, except a small outlet for
i'8
the steam. Another pipe or tunnel, is fixed on the lower
edge of the box for conveying water into the kettle, and has
a stopper in time of boiling.
32. The subject on education of children, may, at the first
view, seem to be foreign from thit of agriculture ; but, not-
withstanding this prejudication, if we deliberately reflect on
these subjects, they will be found in alliance. — Boys of
twelve years old, ought to be qualilied for reading and under-
standing agricultural essays ; for, the idea, generally fostered
by farmers, that, books on agriculture are useless, is a false no-
tion. They might as well say, that, " any art or science
might be brought to perfection by one man," as to suppose
that the farmers of a neighbourhood could know every best
mode of tillage, without travelling or reading for information.
But let us return to the subject of literature, and suggest
the most expeditious mode of teaching. For thirty years
past, great improvements have been made in the su-
perintendence of schools, as well as in agriculture : The
Adelphi school, and others in Philadelphia, — the schools of
Mr. Picket and Son, of New-York — and the Lancasterian
schools generally, afford specimens of teaching worthy the
notice of those gentlemen who wish to engage in the profes-
sion of teaching. It is not meant, however, that the mode of
teaching in our country schools, shall exactly compare
with the mode of any one of those above mentioned ; but
part of those arrangements and methods of teaching, might
greatly facilitate the attainment of rudimental knowledge.
The Lancasterian plan, in particular, for young children, per-
haps surpasses any invention of the kind heretofore discover-
ed. Our best judges of literature in this state, allow the
difference between the Lancasterian and the common mode
of teaching, to be in proportion of machinery to manual la-
bour. In these schools, a boy at the age of ten years, will
have acquired the rudiments, and be able to pursue theoretic
and practical studies : at fourteen he may have an educa-
tion requisite for a farmer or a machanic ; he can then pur-
sue his agriculture, or some mechanic art, and with a good
improvement of time, may be fit for a statesman at twenty-
29
one. This plan of teaching in common schools, affords a
threefold advantage ; a saving of time, of money, and a more
than common attainment of useful information.
Our country schools, and many in cities, at present, are
too tedious, and too expensive in teaching children the ele-
mentary parts of science. As was before hinted, a boy at
ten or twelve years of age, ought to be storing his mind with
practical knowledge that will be useful under the various
circumstances of life : tracts on the first principles of law, —
some of our statutes most commonly in use, — essays on pre-
ventives of diseases, — books on chemistry, — botany, and
practical agriculture ; are all proper for reading in school
after the pupils have obtained the first principles of litera-
ture.
It is suggested, that if extra hire be given to teachers who
will employ their ingenuity in teaching on the Lancasterian
mode, as far as the circumstances of schools will allow, it
will be the most ready and sure method of introducing the
Lancasterian system of education. The nature of our form
of government, and the local situation of the United States,
require our best exertions in educating the youth. The time
may come, and " the sooner the better," when our legisla-
tors will be chosen from the agricultural class of the people.
The novelty of introducing the books, before mentioned,
need not intimidate the teacher or the trustees of schools ;
we are not under the restrictions of our fore-fathers, who
preferred the Hornbook and Psalter ; improvement is our
point of view ! And to improvement we must advance, if we
mean to be found faithful stewards over the ten thousand
dollar talent, munificently given by the sovereignty of the
people.
33. What remains to be said respecting "the advance-
ment of the prosperity of this county," equally concerns the
people in every section of the state : — First, we ought to pe-
tition the legislature for a revision and amendment of the law
on pauperism.
Secondly, for an amendment of the law on assessments ;
pointing out in the most plain language, how assessors shall
30
value renl estate : shall it be at cash price, what they con-
sider it to be worth ; or shall they value it at what, either the
owner or possessor, under oath, shall say he believes it to be
worth, and that he will take, in cash, his valuation, if offer-
ed ? Shall the assessors of country towns, and of different
wards in cities, have two places of meeting, one for the city
assessors, and another for those in the country, at a certain
tinne and piacfe, for the purpose of comparing and equalizing
their valuations with regard to the absolute worth of proper-
ty ? Something appears to be deficient in the law, or in the
execution of it, otherwise there would not be so great a dif-
ference in the valuation of real property, and so much diffi-
culty among the supervisors in proportioning the quotas of
each town.
Thirdly and lastly, petition for a continuance of " an act to
improve the agriculture of this state," passed April 7, 1819.
These three subjects, and particularly the last, require our im-
mediate attention, not only for " the advancement of the
prosperity of this <.ounty," but for that of the whole state.
The readers are informed that they may find a scale or com-
parison of various grasses, suitable for this climate, by apply-
ing to Jesse Buel, Esq. iu the yicinity of Albany.
March \5th. 1824.
I
SUBSCRIBERS' NAMES.
E
Samuel R. Adams,
James Adriance,
B. C. Allen.
B
John F. Bacon,
Thomas Barker,
Calvin Blanchard,
Joseph Bell,
B. &J. R- Bleecker,
Levi Beals,
Isaac Burton,
B. F. Butler,
J. Buel,
Joseph F. Badgley,
John Bryan,
Thomas Bridgen,
Caleb Benjamin,
Newman Bliss,
Lewis C. Beck,
H. Bleecker,
S. V. R. Bleecker.
J. Church,
John S. Conkhog,
Jas. Colvin,
A. Campbell,
Patrick Clark,
J. O. Cole,
Samuel VV. Carter,
Thomas Acres,
John Cook,
Alfred Coukhng.
D
S. De Witt,
Isaac Denniston,
George Dexter,
Devoe & Marvm,
Nath. Davis,
William Durant,
J. B. Douglass,
H S. Donlevey,
R. V. De Witt,
Henry B. Davis,
R. Dunbar, jun.
R. W. Dunbar.
I John I. Evertson,
i W. Esleeck,
I Jon. Eights.
! John C. Fredenricli,
James Freeland,
Samuel Fuller,
Samuel Foot.
j John D'Garmo,
Abraham Gould,
1 L. S. Z. Gould,
j William Gould,
James Gourlay,
Elijah Griggs,
Godfrey & Walsh.
t . II
U. Y. Hazard,
Edward Hunter,
Henry P. Hutchinson,
j Friend Humphrey,
I Erastus Hills,
William R. Hills,
Lawrence Halenbake,
G. Hawley.
1 William T. Jacacks,
1 J. Jenkins,
! J. L. Judson,
t Thomas Jenks.
Philip Kelley,
B. Knower,
i John Koou.
i Samuel S. Lush,
1 William Lush,
;H. J. Lynn.
32
William Majell,
J. B. Moore,
William McDougall,
Martin, Hunter, and Ryckman,
William McClure,
Erastus Mitchell,
George Merchant,
Alex. McNaughtoa.
O
D- Osborn,
J. I. Ostrander..
Calvin Pepper,
Joseph Palmer,
Ralph Pratt,
Robert Parks,
Wm. V. L. Peterson.
R
Jacob Randal,
J. L. Rathbone,
V. W. Rathbone,
John Rechow,
John Renwick,
Freeman Rawdon.
Joseph Smith,
Windsor Stone,
R. Skinner,
Henry Stone,
E. R. Satterlee,
G. W. Stanton,
Abraham Schermcrhorn,
Ira Sanford,
James Steveuson,
Joseph D. Shiffer,
Jonah Scoval,
H. Skinner,
A. Spencer,
Frederic Seger.
T
Azor Taber,
C. Tajlor,
Isaiah Townsend.
Stephen Van Rensselaer, juti.
Richard Van Rensselaer,
J. B. Van Schaick,
P. Van Rensselaer,
Lawrence L. Van Kleeck,
C. Van Antwerp,
Solomon Van Rensselaer,
J. B. Van Steenbergh,
Garrit H. Visschei,
G. W. VanWie,
K. K. Van Rensselaer.
W
R. Webster,
J. H. Wendell,
William B. Winne.
As. Webster,
Willard Walker,
Justus Wright,
David Waters,
Schuyler Wetmore,
E. Willard.
Y
J. V. N. Yates,
Erastus Young.
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